Search results matching tags 'Professional Development', 'Events', 'Conferences', and 'Community'http://sqlblog.com/search/SearchResults.aspx?o=DateDescending&tag=Professional+Development,Events,Conferences,Community&orTags=0Search results matching tags 'Professional Development', 'Events', 'Conferences', and 'Community'en-USCommunityServer 2.1 SP2 (Build: 61129.1)What to Expect at the PASS Summit 2013http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2013/09/26/what-to-expect-at-the-pass-summit-2013.aspxThu, 26 Sep 2013 16:39:00 GMT21093a07-8b3d-42db-8cbf-3350fcbf5496:51140RickHeiges<p>Next week, I am tentatively planning a <strong>webcast on Oct 3, 2013 @ 12:30pm ET</strong>&nbsp;as I have done over the past couple of years aimed at First Time Attendees.&nbsp; Once I get things confirmed, I will post a link for registration.&nbsp; I updated my PPT Deck with the new information and realized that most of the message and events / timings are similar to the past two years.&nbsp;</p><p>I first did this webcast in 2011 and created a series of companion blog posts that are still very relevant for this year.&nbsp; Naturally, some references to locations and specifics to Seattle will not apply, but much of the information is consistent with this year's Summit and can still provide guidance to new attendees.&nbsp; So I am providing links to the blog posts below from 2011 and hope that they will be useful.to this year's attendees.</p><ol><li><a href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/09/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-1.aspx" target="_blank" mce_href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/09/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-1.aspx"><font color="#02469b">General Overview</font></a></li><li><a href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/12/what.aspx" target="_blank" mce_href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/12/what.aspx"><font color="#02469b">Planning Your Learning Itinerary</font></a></li><li><a href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/14/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-2.aspx" target="_blank" mce_href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/14/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-2.aspx"><font color="#02469b">Meals</font></a></li><li><a href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/15/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-4.aspx" target="_blank" mce_href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/15/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-4.aspx"><font color="#02469b">More Than Just Sessions</font></a> - <a href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/20/be-prepared-to-ask-the-css-and-sqlcat-folks-your-toughest-questions.aspx" target="_blank" mce_href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/20/be-prepared-to-ask-the-css-and-sqlcat-folks-your-toughest-questions.aspx"><font color="#02469b">And Be Prepared</font></a></li><li><a href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/16/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-5.aspx" target="_blank" mce_href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/16/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-5.aspx"><font color="#02469b">Networking</font></a></li><li><a href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/16/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-6.aspx" target="_blank" mce_href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/16/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-6.aspx"><font color="#02469b">After Hours</font></a></li><li><a href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/16/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-7.aspx" target="_blank" mce_href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/16/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-7.aspx"><font color="#02469b">Social Networking Tools</font></a></li><li><a href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/19/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-8.aspx" target="_blank" mce_href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/19/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-8.aspx"><font color="#02469b">Logistics</font></a></li></ol>PASS Summit 2011 - What you can expect at the Conference - Summaryhttp://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/19/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-summary.aspxMon, 19 Sep 2011 13:30:00 GMT21093a07-8b3d-42db-8cbf-3350fcbf5496:38504RickHeiges<P>As I finish up preparing for the Sep 20 (@1pm ET) webcast, I thought a final blog post may be appropriate in order to quickly reference many of the areas that I have touched upon.&nbsp; Naturally, much of this information is geared towards First Timers, but Alumni are welcome to join in the webcast as well and are encouraged to help spread even more tips/tricks around to all who attend.</P>
<OL>
<LI><A href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/09/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-1.aspx" target=_blank>General Overview</A></LI>
<LI><A href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/12/what.aspx" target=_blank>Planning Your Learning Itinerary</A></LI>
<LI><A href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/14/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-2.aspx" target=_blank>Meals</A></LI>
<LI><A href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/15/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-4.aspx" target=_blank>More Than Just Sessions</A>&nbsp; - <A href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/20/be-prepared-to-ask-the-css-and-sqlcat-folks-your-toughest-questions.aspx" target=_blank>And Be Prepared</A></LI>
<LI><A href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/16/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-5.aspx" target=_blank>Networking</A></LI>
<LI><A href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/16/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-6.aspx" target=_blank>After Hours</A></LI>
<LI><A href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/16/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-7.aspx" target=_blank>Social Networking Tools</A></LI>
<LI><A href="http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/19/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-8.aspx" target=_blank>Logistics</A></LI></OL>
<P>Register <A href="https://www.livemeeting.com/lrs/8000181573/Registration.aspx?pageName=79tznhrs771f4tdn" target=_blank>HERE </A>for the webcast.&nbsp; It will be recorded and be available for replay shortly thereafter.</P>PASS Summit 2011 - What you can expect at the Conference - Part 6http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/16/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-6.aspxFri, 16 Sep 2011 13:30:00 GMT21093a07-8b3d-42db-8cbf-3350fcbf5496:38462RickHeiges<P>Now that I have covered just about all of the "official" Summit activities, it is time for a blog post about "After Hours" activities.</P>
<P>There is a webpage that lists some of the activities that we are currently aware of.&nbsp; You can find that page <A href="http://www.sqlpass.org/summit/2011/Connect/AfterHours.aspx" target=_blank>here</A>.</P>
<P>Monday Night Networking Dinner - Last year, Andy Warren and Steve Jones&nbsp;started a Netowrking Dinner (Food / Drink is your own responsibility).&nbsp;It will be Monday Evening at Lowell's.&nbsp; More information is available on the link provided above.Follow general #sqlpass on twitter to see what's going on.</P>
<P>Photo Walk - Pat Wright and Tim Ford started this tradition several years ago.&nbsp; Essentially, Pat / Tim coordinate a place / time to start on a tour of Seattle.&nbsp; Bring your camera andprepare to have a great time discovering Seattle.Follow #photowalk on twitter to obtain more information.</P>
<P>SQL Kilt Day - It will be Thursday this year.&nbsp; Several years ago, three SQL Community leaders decided to wear kilts one day.&nbsp;Many more joined in last year (even some vendors).&nbsp; I don't havve an exact count, but I suspect that thee were at least 50 people wearing kilts last year.&nbsp; I suspect that number will be over 100 this year.&nbsp;Wearing a kilt on #sqlkilt day will definitely bring you some attention.&nbsp; :-)</P>
<P>SQL Run - Running is a favorite fitness activity of quite a few members of the SQL Community.&nbsp; Would you like to run with some others who are attending the conference?&nbsp; Follow #SQLRun on twitter to find out when/where to meet up for a run.</P>
<P>SQL Karaoke - What happens when you mix an open mic, SQL Professionals, and some libation together?&nbsp; SQL Karaoke at a Dive Bar.&nbsp; See the Link above for more information on locatoin.&nbsp; This year it will be on Wednesday Evening and now enjoys a limited sponsorship by NEC and Genesis Hosting Solutions.&nbsp;Follow #SQLKaraoke for more information - especially on Wednesday.</P>
<P>SSC / Redgate Party - SQL Server Central and RedGate will be hosting another party right after the Welcome Reception on Tuesday night. More info may be found <A href="http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Events/75832/" target=_blank>here</A>.</P>
<P>Other Vendor Parties - Many other Vendors will also host parties or other get togethers. Be sure to visit all of the vendors in the Exhibit Hall.&nbsp; I encourage you to visit all of the vendors and perhaps score an invite to an "after hours" event.</P>
<P>There is more, but I don't know about it yet.&nbsp; Denny Cherry has put together a <A href="http://passsummitevents.info/default.aspx" target=_blank>website</A> that lists "after hours" events that he is aware of.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>PASS Summit 2011 - What you can expect at the Conference - Part 5http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/09/16/pass-summit-2011-what-you-can-expect-at-the-conference-part-5.aspxFri, 16 Sep 2011 11:30:00 GMT21093a07-8b3d-42db-8cbf-3350fcbf5496:38461RickHeiges<P>One of the most valuable parts of the entire Summit experience is the networking that goes on.&nbsp;In this post, I will go over some of the opportunities for you to network with others.&nbsp; Once again, this post will not focus on "after hours" activities which will come later.</P>
<P>Badge and Ribbons - Once you get to the Summit and pick up your materials, you will have a badge.&nbsp; The badge will have the following information on it:</P>
<UL>
<LI>Nick Name</LI>
<LI>Full Name</LI>
<LI>Company Name</LI>
<LI>Where you are from</LI>
<LI>Twitter Handle</LI></UL>
<P>You will also receive at least one ribbon (Alumni or First Timer).&nbsp; You may notice that some people have more than one ribbon.&nbsp; These ribbons identify how a person contributes to the SQL Community.&nbsp; Be curious.&nbsp; When you see a person with more than one ribbon, ask them about it.&nbsp; It is a great way to start a conversation.&nbsp; These people are very interested in meeting YOU.&nbsp; </P>
<P>Don Gabor - We have asked Don Gabor to once again run a 2 hour Networking Workshop on Tuesday.&nbsp; It is inexpensive ($70) and a great way to invest in yourself to make the most of the Summit.&nbsp; You can go online and modify your registration add this mini-pre-con or sign up onsite.&nbsp; Don will also be leading a special Speed Networking Session during the First Timer Orientation.&nbsp; I want to particularly encourage First Timers to take advantage of this session based on feedback from former First Timers.</P>
<P>Big Brothers / Big Sisters - There is also a Big Brothers / Big Sisters orientation program.&nbsp; It is not too late to sign-up.&nbsp; We match a willing and eager Alumni with a small grooup of First Timers via email.&nbsp; The Big Brother/Sister will then contact the First Timers prior to coming to the summit to answer any questions or to simply "break the ice" before actually getting to Seattle.&nbsp; If you are a First Timer, I encourage you to take advantage of this program.&nbsp; If you are an Alumni and would like to help out some First Timers, your help will be appreciated by the First Timers and the entire PASS organization.&nbsp; Visit <A href="http://www.sqlpass.org/summit/2011/Connect/FirstTimers.aspx" target=_blank>here</A> to sign-up.</P>
<P>Other places to Network at the Summit:</P>
<UL>
<LI>
<DIV>Welcome Reception (Tue Evening)</DIV></LI>
<LI>
<DIV>Expo Hall Reception (Wed Evening)</DIV></LI>
<LI>
<DIV>Attendee Party (Thu Evening)</DIV></LI>
<LI>
<DIV>Breakfasts</DIV></LI>
<LI>
<DIV>Lunches - especially Chapter, WIT and Birds of a Feather</DIV></LI>
<LI>
<DIV>Expert Pods</DIV></LI>
<LI>
<DIV>Before the Keynotes</DIV></LI>
<LI>
<DIV>At the PASS Booth</DIV></LI>
<LI>
<DIV>Anywhere!</DIV></LI></UL>
<P>Remember that only you can make the most of your Summit Experience.&nbsp; I have outlined a number of opportunities where you can network with others who are doing the same thing.&nbsp; Go Forth and Network!</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>Untapped Benefit?http://sqlblog.com/blogs/rick_heiges/archive/2011/07/28/untapped-benefit.aspxThu, 28 Jul 2011 15:59:00 GMT21093a07-8b3d-42db-8cbf-3350fcbf5496:37380RickHeigesAre you using your benefits to further your SQL Server skills? The other day, the company I work for (Scalability Experts) had a benefits meeting where open enrollment for insurance and other similar things were discussed.&nbsp; Since we are a small company, we outsource HR/Payroll/Benefits and I discovered a new benefit that I was unaware of previously.&nbsp; Perhaps you have it too.&nbsp; THere is an&nbsp;Educational Assistance Benefit of $1500/year to help with courses that count towards a degree.&nbsp; I was somewhat familiar with that one.&nbsp; There is also an Educational Assistance benefit that is geared for attending seminars (especially those offered by a Professional Association).&nbsp; The benefit&nbsp;offered through our plan is $500/year to spend on educational seminars.&nbsp; There is some criteria the seminar must meet under our benefit structure such as: helping develop skills that you use in your line of work and it can't be in-house or custom training.&nbsp; That sounds like a perfect fit for a PASS Summit Pre-Con!&nbsp; Of course your organization may have different criteria and /or benefit amounts, but don't let that education benefit go to waste.&nbsp; There is a great selection of Pre-Cons to choose from that offer a full day of learning for only $395!&nbsp; Tap into your benefits and receive some great learning practically for free!<BR>